t he is
disqualified, and now the others will shoot again. But Hubert has now
the purse, for sure."

"In sooth I do think so," answered the Prince, laughing rather
conceitedly. "But Monceux, bid this lad to me forthwith. I would speak
with him."

The Sheriff went about the task; but Robin had disappeared; for
suddenly, amidst the throng, his eyes had encountered those strange
grey-blue ones of Mistress Fitzwalter.

She was sitting alone in a little box near by the targets. Robin had
walked down the lists to see for himself that his shaft had split the
Norman's fairly, and in turning away to find Stuteley he had become
aware of her shrewd, piercing gaze. She allowed her eyes to rest fully
on young Fitzooth's ardent glance for the briefest moment. Then she
looked away unconcernedly.

But Robin, venturing all, drew nigh. He came to the edge of her box, and
began to speak. He had gone so far as "Give you good morrow, lady," when
his eyes perceived the Sheriff's little golden arrow fastening her
cloak. His mouth became dry at that and his words went back in his
throat.

The girl, aware of his confusion, brought her gaze back upon him. She
smiled.

[Illustration: ROBIN MEETS MAID MARIAN

_But Robin, venturing all, drew nigh. He came to the edge of her box,
and began to speak._]

"Is it indeed my young champion?" asked she, rather doubtfully at first,
in her low, soft tones. "Is it you who have beaten the Prince's best
archer, Robin o' th' Hood?"

Her eyes were wells of innocent fun. The way in which she lingered over
the last syllables brought Robin still deeper into the deep waters.

"It is your servant, madame," was all that he could find to say.

"You see then that I wear your gift, Robin," she said, trying to make
him at ease. "I have not forgotten----"

"Nor I--I shall _never_ forget," cried he, impulsively. "Your eyes are
always in my memory: they are beautiful as stars," said he, fervently.

"Oh, a gallant Locksley! But there, take my colors, since you will be my
knight." She untied a ribbon from her hair, and gave it into his
outstretched palm. "And now, farewell; take the Prince's prize, and
spend the pennies worthily. Buy your sweetheart some ribbons, but keep
that which I have given you."

She tossed her curls again, as she added the last word. Robin was
beginning a vehement protestation that he had no sweetheart, when
Stuteley's voice broke in upon him.

"Master, they have disqualified you, an